A7V Mephisto

Mephisto is the world’s only remaining example of a German First World War tank. It was captured on the battlefields of France and sent to Australia as a war trophy almost 100 years ago. Since then, this unique armoured fighting vehicle has been a showpiece of the Queensland Museum in Brisbane.

This small ‘Pocket Guide’ outlines the origins of tanks as machines of war and details the development and combat history of A7V Sturmpanzerwagens in particular. The Germans built 20 A7V tanks, but most were scrapped not long after the end of the war.

Mephisto, Chassis Number 506, was part of the very first attack by German tanks and it was also part of the first tank–versus–tank battles. Scars from bullets and shells are evident on its armour plating and it also has extensive damage from an explosion on the roof. After it was stranded in a deep shell hole, soldiers from the Australian 26th Battalion recovered the tank in a daring night-time raid.

This informative booklet contains more than 160 images, including interior and exterior details, historical images, postcards and other First World War memorabilia. It is an ideal guide for museum visitors and anyone interested in military history.

Author:Greg Czechura and Jeff Hopkins-Weise

ISBN: 9780980569209